230 AGRICULTURE OF MAINE. 



allow the removal of the silage with the least possihle amount 

 of labor. 



Portability. — There are instances where tenants and others 

 desire a silo which may be used in one place for a time and 

 then moved to a new location. Under such circumstances, this 

 feature should be given due consideration. 



Fire Proof Construction. — It adds materially to the value of 

 any building to be made of fire-proof material. The import- 

 ance of this feature is realized when the large annual loss from 

 fire is taken into consideration. 



Appearance. — All farm buildings should be of good appear- 

 ance. This feature adds both to the attractiveness and the 

 value of the farm. A permanent silo of neat appearance is the 

 most desirable silo to construct, other things being equal. 



Simplicity of Construction.— It is an advantage to select a silo 

 which can either be constructed without special skilled labor, 

 forms or tools, or can be purchased ready for erection without 

 the aid of skilled labor. 



Cost. — One of the most important features to be considered 

 in the selection of a silo is its first cost. The silo which will 

 furnish storage for silage at the least cost per ton is the silo to 

 build, other points being equal. 



Frost Resistance. — In Maine the winters are so severe that 

 it is difficult to construct a frost-proof silo. The silo wall which 

 will prevent freezing to the greatest degree is the most desira- 

 ble. A roof probably does as much as the walls to prevent 

 ireezing. 



Some silos are made with double walls, with an air space 

 between, as the King silo; others have double walls of brick or 

 concrete ; wood offers considerable resistance to the escape of 

 heat. Single wall stave silos have given good satisfaction in 

 this State. It may be necessary to keep the outside of the silage 

 slightly lower than the middle when feeding during cold weather, 

 or to cover the toji of the silage with blankets, or with the 

 doors of the silo which have been taken out — usually a little 

 thoughtful attention prevents any serious trouble from freezing. 

 Freezing does not hurt the silage but more labor is required to 

 take it ont of the silo, and it is harder on the animals to warm 

 the food if it is frozen. 



